Each year thousands of elementary students line up along Atlantic Avenue to complete the final mile of their marathon journey at the Operation Smile Shamrock Final Mile. The final mile is a celebration of the months of effort students put in with their school, classmates, family, and friends. The goal of the event is to make fitness fun for everyone and for students to realize the joy and pride in setting and achieving a goal.

Thanks to the support of Virginia Beach educators and administrators, the 2026 Shamrock Final Mile Art Contest was a great success! Over 270 entries were submitted and the winning student, Priyasha, a third grader, had her design printed on 5,000 shirts.

• The 2027 winning design will be printed on 5,000 Final Mile participant shirts and 20 runner-up designs will be selected for display on the marathon course and at the Sports & Fitness Expo.
• Contest is open to students in K– 5th grade who will participate in the 2027 Shamrock Final Mile.
• Entries are due October 18, 2026.

Submission questions? Jamie Rhoades | jamie@jandaracing.com | 757.285.6503